Hi everyone! It has been awhile since I’ve written a blog post. I’ve been busy writing the second draft of my second novel which is now finished. I sent it off to beta readers and from their feedback, I’ll be revising the novel.
So, today I am continuing this series on mental disorders and how we can help and understand those who are struggling in life. Click here to read “Rising From the Ashes” and “Piercing the Darkness” where the main characters experience depression in their different life journeys.
Imagine…
Imagine having shackled chains on your feet weighing you down and it takes every ounce of energy to put one foot forward. Imagine an activity or hobby you love to do but your passion for it dissipates as you lack the energy to accomplish the simple things in life. Imagine that you’re stuck in sinking sand struggling to get out. Imagine that all you see is a bleak horizon and you are left wondering if you will be stuck in this rut for the rest of your life. These are some of the ways that depression can manifest itself in a person’s life.
Personal Experience
I’ve experienced depression for most of my life, but it took a turn for the worse during my second year of university on the East Coast. It took all my energy to drag one foot after another as I walked to class or the cafeteria. I remember staring at the food in the cafeteria and hardly eating anything due to a loss of my appetite. One of my friends would convince me to come to social events, hoping that by getting out and interacting with others my depression would simply go away. But I always left the events early since it felt like I was going through the motions and putting on this mask to pretend I was fine when I wasn’t. It felt like I was putting on a facade by letting my professors and peers think I was fine but on the inside a battle was raging to the point where I wanted to run away or commit suicide. Thankfully, a couple of friends knew by the slightest change in my behaviour that something was wrong, and they provided me with enough encouragement to get me through the day.
There are many reasons as to why people experience depression whether it be short-term or long-term. During that year in university, it was a combination of factors. This included being bullied and treated as an outcast by a group of friends. The university itself became very legalistic, which suffocated my love for and faith in God as students were required to attend four services a week including church on Sunday. We would get in trouble if we missed any services; sometimes absences even resulted in expulsion. It was an environment that had a negative impact on my mental health and well-being. But not all hope was lost. In my next post, I will talk about how God used that year to help me heal from my past and to overcome depression and suicide.
Resources
In the meantime, here is a great site if you want to learn more about depression. In my next post, I will talk about ways we can help support those who experience depression or how to help yourself if you are experiencing it. Feel free to leave any comments, and you can contact me at jaimee.pifer@rogers.com if you have any questions. Have a wonderful day!